Intro
Discover 7 in-demand Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you. Explore local OT Assistant career opportunities, salary ranges, and growth prospects. From pediatric to geriatric care, find the perfect OTA role that matches your skills and passion. Get hired today and make a difference in your community with a fulfilling OT Assistant career.
Occupational therapy assistants play a vital role in helping individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities to develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and work. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, the need for skilled occupational therapy assistants is also increasing. If you're looking for occupational therapy assistant jobs near you, here are seven potential career paths to consider:
1. Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant
Pediatric occupational therapy assistants work with children from birth to adolescence, helping them develop the skills they need for play, school, and daily living. As a pediatric occupational therapy assistant, you'll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to design and implement treatment plans that address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
- Median salary: $45,000 - $60,000 per year
- Work settings: Schools, hospitals, clinics, and private practices
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in assessing children's abilities and needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provide therapy sessions to help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and other abilities
- Collaborate with parents, teachers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
2. Acute Care Occupational Therapy Assistant
Acute care occupational therapy assistants work in hospitals and other healthcare settings to help patients recover from illness, injury, or surgery. As an acute care occupational therapy assistant, you'll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop the skills they need for daily living and mobility.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Work settings: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and skilled nursing facilities
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in assessing patients' abilities and needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provide therapy sessions to help patients develop mobility, strength, and range of motion
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
3. Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant
Rehabilitation occupational therapy assistants work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and other healthcare settings to help patients recover from illness, injury, or surgery. As a rehabilitation occupational therapy assistant, you'll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop the skills they need for daily living and mobility.
- Median salary: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
- Work settings: Rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in assessing patients' abilities and needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provide therapy sessions to help patients develop mobility, strength, and range of motion
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
4. School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant
School-based occupational therapy assistants work in schools to help students with physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities. As a school-based occupational therapy assistant, you'll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to design and implement treatment plans that address students' needs.
- Median salary: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
- Work settings: Schools and school districts
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in assessing students' abilities and needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provide therapy sessions to help students develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and other abilities
- Collaborate with teachers and other school staff to ensure comprehensive care
5. Home Health Occupational Therapy Assistant
Home health occupational therapy assistants work in patients' homes to help them recover from illness, injury, or surgery. As a home health occupational therapy assistant, you'll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to design and implement treatment plans that address patients' needs.
- Median salary: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
- Work settings: Patients' homes and home health agencies
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in assessing patients' abilities and needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provide therapy sessions to help patients develop mobility, strength, and range of motion
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
6. Skilled Nursing Facility Occupational Therapy Assistant
Skilled nursing facility occupational therapy assistants work in skilled nursing facilities to help patients recover from illness, injury, or surgery. As a skilled nursing facility occupational therapy assistant, you'll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to design and implement treatment plans that address patients' needs.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Work settings: Skilled nursing facilities and rehabilitation centers
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in assessing patients' abilities and needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provide therapy sessions to help patients develop mobility, strength, and range of motion
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
7. Outpatient Occupational Therapy Assistant
Outpatient occupational therapy assistants work in clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings to help patients recover from illness, injury, or surgery. As an outpatient occupational therapy assistant, you'll work under the supervision of an occupational therapist to design and implement treatment plans that address patients' needs.
- Median salary: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
- Work settings: Clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in assessing patients' abilities and needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provide therapy sessions to help patients develop mobility, strength, and range of motion
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care
What is the job outlook for occupational therapy assistants?
+The job outlook for occupational therapy assistants is excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 32% increase in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030.
What are the educational requirements for occupational therapy assistants?
+Occupational therapy assistants typically require an associate's degree from an accredited program and a certification or license to practice.
What are the key skills and qualities required for occupational therapy assistants?
+Occupational therapy assistants require strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
If you're passionate about helping others and want to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, consider becoming an occupational therapy assistant. With a range of job opportunities available, you can choose the setting and population that best fits your skills and interests.